If you’re looking for a dessert that brings everyone together, you’ve found it! This Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe is a delightful blend of creamy and crunchy, guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Imagine a silky silken tofu cheesecake base topped with sweet, spiced apples and a crumbly topping. It’s the kind of treat that makes any gathering feel special, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive celebration.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just delicious; it’s also simple to make! You can whip this up on a busy weeknight or prepare it in advance for those family gatherings. Just be prepared for compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can shine in the kitchen!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of creamy cheesecake and apple crumble—kids and adults alike will ask for seconds!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dessert a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.
- Decadent Flavor: The rich flavors of apple and cinnamon come together perfectly for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Each ingredient is chosen for its natural goodness, making this cheesecake as nutritious as it is tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here are some simple, wholesome components you’ll need to create this delightful vegan apple crumble cheesecake.
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (ensure they are vegan-friendly)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (14-ounce) packages silken tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegan cream cheese alternative
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Apple Crumble Topping
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:
- Change Up the Fruit: Swap out apples for pears or berries for a different flavor twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra texture.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves in your apple mixture to give it a unique kick.
- Add a Layer: Try adding a layer of caramel sauce in between the cheesecake filling and apple topping for an extra indulgent treat.
How to Make Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour in the melted vegan butter and stir until everything is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. This step creates a sturdy base that holds all of that luscious filling!
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the drained silken tofu with granulated sugar, vegan cream cheese alternative, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture—this is what makes your cheesecake so decadent! Pour this mixture over your cooled crust in the springform pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Topping
In another bowl, mix together diced apples with all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Then add your cold cubed vegan butter into this mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This topping adds that delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with creamy cheesecake.
Step 4: Bake It All Together
Carefully place your springform pan into the preheated oven. Bake for about 55-65 minutes—keep an eye on those edges! They should be set while the center still has a slight jiggle. Once done baking, turn off your oven and crack open its door slightly; let your cheesecake cool inside for an hour. This gentle cooling helps prevent cracks from forming.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
After cooling in the oven for an hour, remove your cheesecake from there to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled down, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours—or better yet—overnight! When you’re ready to serve it up, carefully remove the sides of that springform pan. Slice into pieces and enjoy chilled!
Now you’ve created something truly special—a Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake that promises warmth and joy at every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
Making this cheesecake is a delightful experience, and a few tips can ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth and creamy filling. When your vegan cream cheese alternative and silken tofu are at room temperature, they blend more easily, resulting in a luscious texture.
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Don’t Over-Mix: While you want the filling to be smooth, over-mixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, causing cracks during baking. Blend just until combined for the best results.
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Choose the Right Apples: Opt for sweet and slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They add depth of flavor and perfect texture to your crumble topping.
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Cool Gradually: After baking, letting the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in appearance!
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Chill Overnight: For the best flavor and texture, allow the cheesecake to chill overnight in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the taste but also allows it to set properly, making it easier to slice.
How to Serve Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
Presenting your Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake beautifully can make it even more inviting. Here are some ideas to consider when serving this delightful dessert.
Garnishes
- Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, fluffy vegan whipped cream on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and creaminess.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some vegan caramel sauce over each slice gives a rich flavor contrast that pairs deliciously with the cheesecake.
- Cinnamon Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon not only enhances presentation but also complements the apple crumble beautifully.
Side Dishes
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cheesecake and adds a burst of color to your plate.
- Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Pairing this cheesecake with a scoop of coconut or almond milk ice cream creates a delightful combination of flavors and temperatures.
- Coffee or Herbal Tea: Serving this dessert with a cup of your favorite coffee or herbal tea provides a warm beverage option that complements its sweetness.
- Nutty Granola: A small side of homemade nutty granola adds crunch and texture, enhancing the overall dessert experience while keeping things wholesome.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake will not only taste amazing but also impress everyone at your gathering! Enjoy every moment of sharing this delicious creation!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake is perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a delightful dessert ready to impress family and friends. Its flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious after chilling in the fridge.
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the cheesecake is well-covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Freezing
- To freeze, wrap slices of cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for added protection.
- The cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Thaw the cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- For a warm treat, you can microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds.
- Avoid refreezing thawed cheesecake to maintain its texture and flavor.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!
Can I make Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake without silken tofu?
Yes! You can substitute silken tofu with blended cashews or store-bought vegan cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture.
What makes this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake the ultimate dessert recipe?
This Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake combines creamy silken tofu with a sweet and spiced apple crumble, creating a luscious and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
How long does it take to prepare Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake?
The total time needed is about 5 hours, including chilling. The prep time is around 45 minutes, while baking takes approximately 55 minutes.
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties like Fuji or Braeburn to find your preferred flavor combination.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about making this Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake as I am! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort that brings everyone together. Whether it’s a special occasion or just because, this recipe offers something truly special. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with delightful aromas and smiles!
Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (ensure they are vegan-friendly)
- 2 (14-ounce) packages silken tofu, drained and pressed
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
- ½ cup vegan cream cheese alternative
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Preparation Instructions:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted vegan butter until moistened. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Blend silken tofu, granulated sugar, vegan cream cheese alternative, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Pour over the crust.
- Mix diced apples with flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cut in cold vegan butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the cheesecake filling.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Cool in the oven with door ajar for one hour before refrigerating for at least four hours or overnight.
- Helpful Notes:
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 130g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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